Railway truck



April 29, 1930. D. s. BARRows RAILWAY TRUCK Filed Sept. 14, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet l lll lll. yIl

April 29, 1930. D. s. BARRows 1,756,168

RAILWAY TRUCK Filed sept. 14, 192e 4 :s sheets-sheet 2 April 29,-1930. D. s. BARROWS RAILWAY TRUCK 3 sheets-sheet s Filed Sept, 14, 1928 duo: ne q Patented Apr. 29, 1930 DONALD sjBAEEoWs, or ROCHESTER, NEW YORK RAILWAY TRUCK Application led September'14, 1928. Serial No. 306,619.

This invention relates to trucks for railway rolling stock and more particularly to the construction of the side frames, spring planks,bolster and associated parts, as well as the arrangement of the bolster springs disposed between said frames and bolsters for supporting the latter.

The principal object of my invention, generally considered, is the improvement in trucks for railway rolling stock and particularly the side frames, bolsters and spring planks and the arrangement of the bolster springs, whereby increased capacity is secured.

Another object of my invention is to provide trucks for railway rolling stock formed With side frames in which the tension member between the bolster guide columns is preferably, though not necessarily, reinforced at the critical points adjacent the junctions with the bolster guide columns as well as rigidly supported and strengthened by reinforcing portions extending upwardly from at or near the center of the spring plank seat portion or from below or above the center thereof diagonally upward and Outward past the bolster guide columns toward each end of the fra-me, the upper web of the tension member between the bolster guide columns being laterally wid- '3 ened for supporting a spring plank whichin turn supports a nest of springs of relatively great capacity, said springs for that purpose comprising either elliptic or helical springs, the construction being vsuch that it is unnecessary to use lower spring plates for said springs. y

A further object of my invention is to provide a side frame for railway carv trucks formed with upwardly extending bosses on the spring plank seat portion thereof, which y bosses not only ext/end through and position the associated spring plank but are also adapted to properly position theassociated bolster springs, the diameters thereof corresponding n with the inner diameters of the spring' units with which employed.

A still further objectof my invention is to 5 provide simple and eicient shim means for 0 ad]ust1ng the height of the bolster with respect to the associated bolster springs and side frames.

An additional obj ect of my invention is to provide efficient bolster spring arrangements for trucks wherein the capacity desired is in excess of seventy tons.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular'arrangement and construction of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is dened by the appended claims.

Figure 1 is atransverse sectional view of a portion of a truck, particularly showing a side frame with its associated spring plank, bolster and nest of springs.

Figure 2 is a partial side elevation of the, truck illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 1, but showing a modification.

Figure `t is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 2, but further illustrating the modification shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary viewl corresponding to Figure 1, but showing another modification.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 2 but further illustrating the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a plan of the shim employed in the construction shown in Figures 5 and 6, showing the nest of springs therebelow in dotted lines.

Figure Sis a fragmentary side elevation of another form of side frame with an associated spring plank.

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional. view on the line 9-9 of Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 10-10 of Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows, the associated bolster springs being indicated diagrammatically.

Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating novel spring arrangements for capacities in excess of seventy tons.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters, and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1l and 2, there is shown a portion of a truck comprising a side frame 1 preferably formed of cast steel, although it will be obvious that certain advantages of my invention may be obtained when using frames of other` than cast construction. Side frame 1 comprises a compression member 2, a tension member 3 and bolster guide columns or strut portions 4 spacing intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, leaving a window opening 5 therebetween. Although the ends 'of the frame are not illustrated, it will be understood that said compression and tension members extend outwardly and finally join each other and either integral journal boxes are formed at the ends of said frame or means are provided for connection with associated journal boxes such as jaw shaped portions, not here shown, but which are wellknown in the art.

The tension member 3 between the bolster guide columns 4 is preferably generally box shaped in cross section and comprises an .upper web 6 laterally widened and forming a springplank seat portion, a lower web 7 and side webs 8. For rigidifying and stengthening the side frame and particularly the tension member and the junctions between the tension member and bolster guide columns, said tension memberis preferably upwardly convoluted or embossed along the longitudinal center line of the frame adjacent the junctions with the bolster guide columns to form upper diagonally disposed web portions 9 which start near the center of the spring plank seat portion of the upper web ofthe tension member and extend diagonally upward through the bolster guide columns towards the ends of the frame in a manner similar or identical to that disclosed in the Barrows Patent #12652,808 of December 13, 1927. This construction results in effect in a bifurcation of the upper web portion of the tension member producing triangular or inclined reinforcements at the junctions between the tension member and bolster guide columns and in addition forms embossments with which the spring plank 10 or an end or adaptor 1'1 thereof engages, thereby obviating the necessity of the usual squaring lugs which, however, may be employed if desired.

The reinforcements 9 also have the effect of reducing the effective depth of the window opening 5 for the insertion of the associated bolster 12, thereby making it necessary to have the height of the front or outer guide lugs 13 on said bolster correspond with or be shorter than the effective depth ofthe window opening provided beneath the bolsterA guiding portions 14 on the columns 4, so that the bolster may be inserted and withdrawn without difficulty. A, l i

For providing adequate supporting area for the spring plank 10 and associated adapter or end casting 11, the upper web 6 between the bolster guide columns forming the spring plank seat portion is laterally extended beyond the webs 8, as indicated at 15. These extensions are preferably braced with respect to the webs 8 by triangular gusset portions 16. The webs of the box-shaped portion of the tension member may be likewise braced interiorly by webs or gusset portions 17, as A larly in my prior Patent #1,652,808, previously referred to or in the modication illustrated in Figure 9, and may be tapered or decreased in width slightly toward the inner ends. On account of the reinforcements 9 the area of the spring supporting portion 6 of the tension member effective for supporting the bolster springs is decreased and it is necessary to either similarlyl convolute the spring plank 10 so that it will properly nest on the spring supporting portion of the frame or provide the adapter or end casting 11, which has corresponding pockets mating with the reinforcements 9 so that said adapter rests flatly on .the balance or flat portion of the spring plank seat 6. For strengthening the adapter 11 without unduly increasing the weight thereoffche same is preferably formed with ribbing 18 on the lower surface thereof, which engages thetop surface of the spring plank lseat 6. It will be understood that the adapter is held place by engagement with the reinforcements 9 and the associated spring plank 10 is preferably connected to the adapter by a plurality of rivets 19 through the lower web of the spring plank 10, as well as a plurality of rivets 2O through the upstanding flanges of said plank and corresponding flanges 21 on the adapter embracing the spring plank flanges, said adapter anges being desirably reinforced by ribbing 22.

In the present embodiment I have shown a nest of elliptic springs 23 supported on the spring plank 10 and held in position by plates 24 which may be secured in place by some of the rivets 19. The upper ends of said elliptic springs 23 in turn support the associated bolster 12 in the usual manner, as will be understood.

Referring now to the embodiment of my -invention illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, a

construction is there `disclosed similar to Figures 1 and 2, except that the diagonal reinforcement 9a on the tension member 3 is lowerthan that of the lirst embodiment so that it cuts'off very little of the Window opening 5,

corresponding apertures 26 in said plank.v

The associated elliptic springs 23a may be held in place, as in the previous embodiment, by plates 24 connected to the spring plank in any desired manner. Except as specifically described, the construction of the present embodiment may correspond with that of the vfirst embodiment.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7 a construction is there disclosed in which a frame 1" of the double truss type, such as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and in my Patent #1,652,808, previously referred to, is employed, with a spring plank 10" which rests directly on the spring plank seat portion 6" and is upwardly embossed or convoluted to fit over the reinforcements 9" which may correspond with the reinforcements 9 of the first embodiment. Spring plank squaring lugs 25" of special construct-ion may be employed, said lugs being positioned to correspond with the desired positioning of thebolster springs 23" and having their maximum diameters corresponding with the inner diameter of the outer coil springs 27, the minimum or small diameters of which correspond with the in' ner diameter of the inner or small coils 28,

' so that said `double coil springs are properly positioned, as will be understood. If it is desired to substitute single coil'springs for any of the double coil springs illustrated, lugs 25, as illustrated particularly in Figures 8, 9 and 10 may be used, the diameters of said lugs being approximately uniform, although preferably tapering slightly upwardly and corresponding with the inner diameter of the outer or larger springs 27.

From this it lwill be seen that the apertures 26" in the spring blank receiving'the lugs 25" or 25 may be of uniform diameter, re-

gardless of whether the .springs used are double coil or single coil spring units. The upper portions of said lugs, if for double coil springs, although smaller than the lower portions, are preferably disposed'coaxially with said lowerport-ions, as illustrated pairticularly in Figures 5 and 6. Y

MThe upper endsof the springs 23" receive, as is usual, an upper spring plate 29 of the usual formv but, if desired, such a spring plate may be dispensed with and the bolster formed with downwardly extending lugs, not shown, corresponding with the lu s 25"` on the associated side frame. l'If it is esired to raise the elevation of the bolster 12" with respect tothe associated frame 1", shims 30 are desirably provided above the sprigplate 29.

i ment.

or springs 23" and below the bolster 12", said plates desirably being formed as a pair of plates meeting on a `transverse line, that is, with their inner edges extending transversely and engaging as indicated at 31. The outer edges are preferably notched, as indicated at 32, to embrace the inner sides of the guide columns 4" and particularly the guiding portions 14" thereof, whereby said shims 30 are intel-locked and properly held in place. Of course, if the bolster is formed 'with spring positioning lugs, as are shown on the side frame, said shims would be correspondingly apertured for receiving said lugs.

Referring now to the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10, a side frame 1 is there disclosed which is very similar. to the side frame 1 of the lirst embodiment, except that the reinforcing portions 9 are higher than the reinforcements 9 of the iirst embodiment rather than lower than said reinforcements, as in the second embodiment, theinner ends of sa1d relnforcetinuous between the lower ends of the bolster guide columns 4 and above the level of the spring plank seat portion 6. This construction either makes it necessary to use an adapter as in the first embodiment or to corrugate the associated spring plank 10 entirely thereacross, as illustrated, for intellocking it with the associated side frame. As in the previousembodiment, the lower spring platesare omitted and the springs supported directly on the spring plank 10 and heldin proper positions by lugs 25 extending entire- .ly through the plank and above the same to form spring positioning bosses, as described in connection with the preceeding embodi- In the present embodiment a variation in the form of spring positioning lugs for double coil spring means is illustrated and designated by the reference character 25, said lugs corresponding with the diameter of the inner or smaller coils of said spring units and merely slightly tapered as is usual. With these forms of spring bosses the apertures 26 through the spring plank for receiving the bosses 25 lare obviously greater than the apertures 26d through said plank for receiving the smaller bosses 25.

Referring now to the spring arrangement shown in Figure 11, it will be seen that I have there'provided an 8-unit nest of springs with three spring units 23d extending longitudinally of the frame on the outer sides of the spring plank seat portion 6l and two spring units disposed therebetween giving a spring larrangement substantially H-,shape in plan, as illustrated in my Patent #1,652,808, previously referred to, but having an additional spring unit and therefore providing increased spring capacity. In order to arrange the springs symmetrically, the intermediate springs are preferably staggered with respect to the outside springs, as illustrated.

Referring now to the spring arrangement illustrated in Figure 12, it will be seen that I have further increased the spring capacityof the arrangement disclosed in Figure 1 1 by an additional spring unit 23", said additional spring unit being preferably disposed on the transverse center line of the frame and spring plank seat portion 6 or in line with the intermediate springs of the longitudinally disposed outer rows of spring units.

Referring now to the spring arrangement shown in Figure 13, it will be seen that I have, as in Figure 12, shown a 9-unit nest of springs 23f, the springs, however, being arranged as two rows of four spring units each longitudinally disposed along the outside edges of the I spring plank seat portion Gf, with an intermediate spring unit therebetween and centrally positioned.

In Figure 14 I illustrate a lO-unit nest of springs 23g, the arrangement corresponding substantially with that of Figure 13, except that instead of having one spring unit between the two outer rows of spring units, I use two springunits, the springs being arranged symmetrically, as in Figure 11.

Although I have shown double coil springs in the spring arrangements, nests or groups shown in Figures 11-14, inclusive, it will be obvious that, if desired, some or all of said spring units may be single rather than double coil springs within the spirit and scope of my invention.

From the foregoinfgdisclosure, it will be seen that I have provided Va truck using double truss side frames which correspond in general with those disclosed in my Patent #1,652,808 of December 13, 1927, whereby increased strength is obtained withoutxcorrespondingly increasing the weight of said frames. Modifications in the'position of the reinforcements or double truss portions of the side frame, are disclosed, su'ch modifications involving the lowering or the raising of the reinforcements. Means have been disclosed for eliminatin thenecessity of spring plates so that the springs are supported directly on the associated spring plank and several'novel spring arrangements have been disclosed for l capacities in excess of seventy tons. t

Having thus described my invention, I claim: l f

1. In a truck, in combination, a side frame `.`formed with compression and tension members-spaced at intermediate lportions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the window'opening being provided with a spring seating portion, a nest of springs seated on said portion, and diagonal Areinforcing members disposed below the -ber spring seating area of said spring seating portion.

2. In a truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, the tension member beneath the window opening being laterally widened to form a spring plank seating portion and strengthened by diagonal reinforcements extending across the lower corners of the window opening to merge into the top face of the spring plank seat portion, a spring plank adapter resting on said spring plank seat portion, formed with downwardly openingpockets receiving said reinforcements and provided with a flat upper surface, and a spring plank seated on said upper surface and connected to said adapter for supporting the bolster springs.

3. In a truck, in combination, a side frame formedwith compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, said tension member beneath the window opening being laterally widened to form a spring plank seat, said spring plank seat being additionally vsupported adjacent intermediate portions thereof b diagonal reinforcements extending from alsiove the normal level of the spring plank seat downwardly and inwardly thereto, a'

spring plank supported on'said spring plank seat and an adapter connected to said spring.

plank and formedfwith pockets receiving sai reinforcements whereby substantially the full area of the spring plank seat portion between the bolster guide columns is available for supporting springs.

4. In a truck, in combination, a side frame comprising compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening i therebetween, that portion of the tension member beneath the window opening therebetween and spaced to leave a window e that portion of the tension memopening,

beneath l the window opening being formed for supporting a nest of springs and reinforced with, respect to the bolster guide columns by upwardly extending embossments lying along the longitudinal center line of the frame, a spring plank resting on said supporting portion of the tension member and formed with downwardly opening pockets receiving said embossments, and a nest of springs supported directly on said spring plank. v

6. In a truck, in combination, a side 'frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns spacing intermediate portions of said members and leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member beneath the window openin being formed with diagonal reinforcements between said guide columns', said reinforcements extending downwardly and inwardlyl toward each other, joined below the central portion of said window opening and generally disposed ata level different from the main portion of the tension member beneath the window opening, a spring plank l supported on said tension member and formed with downwardly opening pockets receiving said reinforcing portions, and a nest of bolster springs resting directly on said spring plank. v

7. In a truck, in combination, a side frame comprising compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member beneath the window opening being laterally widened for supporting a spring plank and associated bolster springs, said spring plank seat portions for that purpose -being formed with upwardly vextending bosses and the 'springf -plank being formed with, corresponding apertures receiving said bosses, the. larger diameter of said bosses corresponding with the inside diameter of the'outer coils of standardihelical bolster sprlngs.

8. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with a spring plank seat portion, upwardly extending bosses on said spring plank Vseat portion, a spring plank resting on said spring plank seat portion and formedwith apertures receiving said bosses, said bosses having their greater diameters corresponding with the inside diameters of the outer coils of standard helical lbolster springs and their lesser diameters corresponding with the inside diameters of the inner coils of standard helical bolster springs.

9. In -a truck, in combination, a side frame formed with a spring plank seat portion, a spring plank resting on said 'seat portion and a nest of standard helical bolster springs supported on said spring plank directly without the use of spring plates, said springs being properly positioned by integral'lugs extending from the spring plank seat portion of the frame through the spring plank and embraced by said springs, said lugs where they pass through the spring plank having a diameter corresponding with the inside diameter ofthe outer springs of said bolster springs and with the diameter of said lugs thereabove correspending with the inside diameter of the spring unit positioned thereby.,

10. In a truck, in combination, a side frame provided with a spring plank seat portion, a spring plank directly supported on said seat portion and a nest of springs directly supported on said spring plank, said nest involving standard bolster springs, some of said springs being double coil and some single coil, all of said spring units being positioned by lugs extending from the spring plank seat portion of the frame through the spring plank and surrounded by the corresponding spring unit, the diameters of all of said lugs at the bases thereof corresponding with the inside diameters of the outer or larger coils of said spring units, the diameters of said lugs above said spring plank forthe single coil springs corresponding with the diameters at the `bases thereof and the diameters of said other lugsy corresponding with the inside diameters of the inner or smaller coils of said springs. l i

l1. In a truck, in combination, a side frame comprising compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion 'of the tension member beneath the window opening being laterally widened for supporting bolster springs, a spring plank resting on said spring supporting portion, a nest of springs resting on said spring plank, shim means resting on said nest of springs, and a bolster resting on said shim means, said rshim means comprising a pair of plain plates with notches for interlocking the same with the bolster guide columns, the inner edge of one plate engaging thel adjacent edge of the other plate to completely cover the nest of springs.

12. A nest of bolster springfor trucks having capacities greater than seventy tons formed as two rows of spring units, each row comprising more than two units therein with an intermediate spring unit positioned between said rows making a nest substantially H-shape in'plan, said complete nest of springs being in excess of seven units.

- 13. A nest of springs exceeding seven spring units arranged substantially H-shape in plan, the uprights of said H being formed as two rows of spring unit's and the cross part of 'said .H comprising a transverse row of spring units.

14. A nest of springs formed of more than seven standard spring units arranged sub.-

vstantially H-shape in plan and formedas two rows of spring units adapted to extend longitudinally -of an associated side frame with another row of units. forming the cross part of the H adapted to extend transversely of thewframe, said nest of springs being ,adapted for capacities in excess of seventy tons.

15. Means for adjusting the height of a bolster with respect to an associated side frame comprising a pair of plates with a notch in one edge of each plate for interlocking with an adjacent portion of the side frame, the opposite edges of said plates being adapted to engage one another to completely cover associated bolster` springs.

In testimony whereof I aix my signature.

DONALD S. BARROWS. 

